Saint-Malo-De-La-Lande can be explored through several distinct themes: the architectural and artistic history of the Église Saint-Malo, the partially protected manor house in Le Bourg, and the “Dans les bras de la Sienne et de l’Amiral” walking route. There is also a local tradition associated with the Fontaine Saint-Clair and the farm produce of the Élevage de la Vallière. These offer different options for your trip, from cultural discoveries and a longer walk to farm products.
Église Saint-Malo: Building Phases and Art
The Église Saint-Malo was built in the 14th century and altered in the 19th century. Its layout is easy to make out: a narthex, or porch, stands at the west end; a centrally positioned bell tower dominates the main building, and the sacristy adjoins it to the east. These three components give architecture enthusiasts a concrete way to understand the building’s spatial arrangement.
Inside are numerous protected works. These include polychrome statues of saints, wooden or limestone crucifixes, and the 1846 oil painting “Le Christ et les pèlerins d’Emmaüs” by G. Goubert. The painting is a copy of an original by Jean Restout. This connection between a dated work and its source offers a particularly clear point of reference for looking at the church’s interior furnishings.
The church’s history of use is also complex: during the French Revolution, it was deconsecrated and looted, and used as a dance hall and saltpetre storehouse. These changes of use stand in stark contrast to the building’s sacred purpose and form another chapter in its history.
The Manor House in Le Bourg
Another perspective on the architectural heritage is offered by the manor house in Le Bourg, Saint-Malo-De-La-Lande. It received partial heritage protection on 1 September 2004. The protected features include the façades and roofs, the furnished interior of the guardroom, the dovecote and the green hedgerows. The list therefore covers different parts of the property: the exterior of the building, a specifically named interior room and features of the grounds. This makes the scope of the partial protection clear through the specific structures and areas it covers.
Walking Route and Surroundings
The “Dans les bras de la Sienne et de l’Amiral” walking route is 16.5 kilometres long and takes approximately four hours and 30 minutes. The distance and approximate duration answer different planning questions: the kilometres indicate the length of the route, while the time gives an idea of how long to allow. If you choose this walk, you can plan it as a longer outing and arrange the rest of your day accordingly.
There is a picnic bench on the walking route by the Saint-Malo-De-La-Lande town hall. Local tradition holds that the nearby Fontaine Saint-Clair can cure eye diseases. This is a traditional belief, not a medical claim.
Farm Visits and Products
The Élevage de la Vallière raises Poitevin goats and Cob Normand draught horses. Its farm shop offers raw-milk products, including cheese, yoghurt and butter. For 2026, farm visits were planned for Wednesday mornings in July and August, by reservation only. Before travelling, check whether suitable dates are available for your visit.
Two different timeframes therefore come into play: the walk takes about four and a half hours, while farm visits are limited to a specific period and require a reservation. The architectural and artistic history of the Église Saint-Malo, together with the clearly defined scope of protection for the manor house, provides a cultural focus.
Discover more destinations: Isigny-Le-Buat, Saint-Ovin, Morville, Périers, Lithaire, Chef-Du-Pont, Saint Planchers, Courcy.
For the broader travel overview: Manche.
